Darigold Celebrates the Launch of Its Largest Dairy Processing Facility in the Northwest
Darigold, Inc., the Seattle-based marketing and processing subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association (NDA), has recently commenced its operations at the newly constructed dairy processing plant located in Pasco, Washington. This facility marks a significant milestone not only for Darigold but also for the greater Washington dairy industry. With an impressive capacity to process up to 8 million pounds of milk daily sourced from over 100 family-owned farms in the region, the Pasco plant is set to serve both domestic and international markets, producing essential dairy items like butter and powdered milk products.
This project signifies the most significant investment in Darigold's century-long history, with financial backing surpassing $1 billion. It is expected to enhance the local dairy sector's productivity and sustainability efforts, contributing to job creation for nearly 1,000 positions across various services including transportation, warehousing, and agricultural work. Darigold’s President and CEO, Allan Huttema, emphasized the essential role of the new facility in meeting the growing demand for dairy products both domestically and internationally, while simultaneously committing to environmentally responsible practices.
The decision to expand operations at Pasco was made in 2021 with a vision to modernize Darigold's production capabilities and to fortify the cooperative's ability to cater to the escalating demand for dairy. The strategic choice of Pasco as the site for this plant aligns with its proximity to numerous NDA member farms and strong access to transportation links, which are critical for efficient operations.
Construction initiated in 2022, and as of now, the facility is operational, albeit still finalizing its production equipment. Darigold anticipates that the robust facility will commence production of powdered milk by August, with additional production capabilities coming online later this year.
In line with modern sustainability aspirations, the Pasco plant incorporates cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The use of low-emission burner technology in milk dryers is expected to notably lower nitrogen oxides emissions. Moreover, a partnership with the city of Pasco has expanded its Process Water Reuse Facility, which includes an anaerobic digester for responsible treatment and reuse of agricultural wastewater. These eco-friendly innovations represent Darigold's commitment to U.S. Dairy's 2050 stewardship goals and reflect a proactive approach to environmental responsibility subject to rigorous industry standards.
Recognizing its contribution to local economic development, Jean Ryckman, president of the Port of Pasco Commission, remarked that the new facility underscores a rich history of agricultural support within the community. The plant also represents a collective effort among local, state, and national leaders, showcasing what can be accomplished through collaborative economic initiatives.
Darigold retains its operations across 12 production facilities throughout the Northwest, representing one of the largest dairy producers in the United States. Each year, approximately 10 billion pounds of milk are processed, enabling the production of a diverse range of dairy products tailored for various market channels, including retail, foodservice, and commercial ingredient supply. The firm also maintains a significant presence with its secondary office in Boise, Idaho, and global reach through satellite offices in Mexico and Asia.
Ultimately, this new facility will allow Darigold to support the needs of its extensive customer base while ensuring that the agricultural practices are both economically viable and sustainable, securing a robust future for dairy farming in the Northwest region.